Valley Classical School

Both my children have gone through Gilbert Linkous Elementary and we have had a positive experience overall.

An excellent school, excellent teachers, and excellent management. Mr. Mefford is a great principal

The outdoor space is spacious, natural and inviting. I wish I were 4 and allowed to make friends there! The classrooms are carefully prepared, always orderly, inviting and child centered. There is true dedication by the director and senior staff that can be felt.As a long-term parent at this school, we have experienced all 3 classroom environments, over several years with multiple kids.The teachers love what they do, they are engaged with the Montessori philosophy, and truly know every students unique learning preferences. The children are always engaged and cared for with respect and love. We have experienced various types of care programs in the local area, all except for public elementary - and this school environment is the most at home for our family. The director and staff just love what they do, and are given the ability to use their various talents and academic specialties (especially in elementary) to instill their own passion for certain subjects with the children. The care ratios also can not be beat without hiring a private nanny.

elementary is great, but after 6th grade the education goes downhill. there are not enough teachers, so a lot of the good teachers have to take on too much responsibility. a couple of my friends felt uncomfortable at the school and felt ostracized by some of the students due to their identities. many of the textbooks are outdated, and several of them are from the 90s or early 2000s. overall, the majority of the teachers are very dedicated to the students and the school, but i do not think that they are adequately compensated for the amount of tasks they are required to do. the high school coursework is rigorous, with little to no accommodations provided to students who may be struggling. in conclusion, i would not recommend this school to middle or high school students.